Change wire size for led counter light
#1
06-24-20, 06:39 AM
Change wire size for led counter light
In a kitchen junction box, I have a source 14/2 wire.
i want to branch off to a counter kitchen LED strip.
Can I branch off using a different guage wire like 18/2 or must it remain 14/2?
it's not the dedicated 20a boxes but a separate junction box in a cupboard.
i want to branch off to a counter kitchen LED strip.
Can I branch off using a different guage wire like 18/2 or must it remain 14/2?
it's not the dedicated 20a boxes but a separate junction box in a cupboard.
Last edited by qwertyjjj; 06-24-20 at 07:41 AM.
#3
06-24-20, 12:00 PM
So, everyone connects LED strip lights or counter lights with14/2 wire?
Since, you can't put 16/2 or 18/2 in the panel?
The actual wire used in the LED lights is much less but they have their own junction box I guess.
What about low voltage? 14/2 to the transformer then 18/2?
Since, you can't put 16/2 or 18/2 in the panel?
The actual wire used in the LED lights is much less but they have their own junction box I guess.
What about low voltage? 14/2 to the transformer then 18/2?
#4
06-24-20, 03:53 PM
You must use 14/2 (if 15A circuit) to the LED lights.
If you are using low voltage lights, then you can run 14/2 to transformer. After transformer, you can use any size wire that can handle the load you are putting and the length of wire you will install.
I run 18/2 thermostat wire from transformer to under cabinet lights.
If you are using low voltage lights, then you can run 14/2 to transformer. After transformer, you can use any size wire that can handle the load you are putting and the length of wire you will install.
I run 18/2 thermostat wire from transformer to under cabinet lights.
Pilot Dane voted this post useful.
#6
06-24-20, 04:40 PM
Voltage drop isn't so bad with AC even with low voltage, but with DC, voltage drops real fast.
Most low voltage landscaping lights (including LEDs) run on AC for that reason.
Some high end low voltage under cabinet LED lights also run on AC, but most are DC. I find 18 awg is sufficient so long as the transformer with within the kitchen.
Most low voltage landscaping lights (including LEDs) run on AC for that reason.
Some high end low voltage under cabinet LED lights also run on AC, but most are DC. I find 18 awg is sufficient so long as the transformer with within the kitchen.
#8
06-24-20, 06:41 PM
Was that lighting LED or halogen?
If it was LED, it must be very bright for it to require #10.
Recessed outdoor ambient LED lights I installed 1/2 year ago was ran with 14 AWG. Had 12 lights on that single wire without problem. However, it was powered with 24V AC. Not DC.
If it was LED, it must be very bright for it to require #10.
Recessed outdoor ambient LED lights I installed 1/2 year ago was ran with 14 AWG. Had 12 lights on that single wire without problem. However, it was powered with 24V AC. Not DC.
